Feds back two Idaho wind power projects

BOISE (AP) – Two wind projects in southern Idaho were selected for grants by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of an effort to explore wind power production in the state.

Idaho State Journal

The projects are located on the Schwendiman farm northeast of Idaho Falls and the Jarolimek farm west of Burley. The proposals are among 100 others around the nation selected for funding, said the Idaho Energy Division.

The Schwendiman project calls for a 1.5 megawatt wind farm with a 1.5 megawatt turbine. The grant will cover about $500,000 of the project’s $2 million total cost.

The amount of power put out by the proposed Schwendiman project could supply 500 homes. Utah Power and Light plans to purchase the energy produced at the site.

The Jarolimek project includes a 20 kilowatt turbine connected to the family’s home. The turbine would generate power to offset the family’s usage under Idaho Power’s net-metering tariff.

Net metering allows customers who generate their own power to receive credits for generating more than they consume.

The grant for that project will cover $10,000 of the project’s total $35,000 cost.

Both Schwendiman and Jarolimek have been measuring wind speed and frequency on their farms with help from the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory.

The lab has loaned equipment and offered expertise to several sites across the state, which is ranked 13th in the nation for wind power resources.

Though the state has yet to see a single operation capable of producing commercial levels of power, experts and wind power advocates are hopeful that the funding of the Schwendiman and Jarolimek projects is a first step.

http://www.journalnet.com/articles/2003/09/08/news/local/news09.txt